Ole!

Performing arts, the language, the culture and flavours of Spain were on offer to the entire of Year 7 at Commonweal on the penultimate day before end of term. The aims of the day was to give students the opportunity to develop their artistic, practical and performance skills along side professionals. Also to promote confidence and team building amongst cohorts to further students understanding of Spanish language and culture.

At the start of the day the year group gathered in the hall to watch Theresa from Casa de Flamenca perform a Flamenco dance followed by a powerpoint presentation on its history. They then divided into groups and took part in a number of workshops.

Big State Theatre Company worked with the schools language department and a small group of year 8 performed a Spanish play to their younger contemporaries. Mark Bishop, also internationally known for his Street Theatre performances with The Natural Theatre Company, put the class through their paces culminating in a improvised sketch in which they had to use several Spanish phrases.

Then it was on to food demonstrations given by Marie Paul who has recently opened a Spanish restaurant in Old Town. The students watched with interest and sampled Spanish Potato Omelette and Tapas with enthusiasm. Commented the school’s Design Food Teacher Miss Cauldwell. “Marie really brought the history and culture of Spanish food alive. It was really interesting and we have all, including myself, learnt a lot from it.”

Commented Richard Gregory age 12. “Cooking is my favourite because you get to try other cultures food. I want the recipe for the omelette it was gorgeous! It was very interesting to watch how she made it.”

Juan Herrera from Miren Theatre gave circus skill workshops in the courtyard, there was Spanish music and recording sessions in the Music rooms and dance sessions in dance studio and in the hall. The latter was delivered by Danzo Segonio from Ocotal our twin town in Nicaragua.

Commented Kirsty Langsbury, age 12, “The whole day was a really good experience, their were loads of activities. It’s not often we get people in to do dancing, food and so many things in one day.”

The day ended with the year group back in the hall to watch dance and a video of themselves which was made by the school’s IT technician Dave Sheppard. Hearty cheers followed before the students danced their way home – Ole!